Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities Certificate

Transcription

1 Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities Certificate New Non-Degree Program Proposal October 31, 2014 Linda Young, Program Coordinator Faculty of Health & Human Services Professional Development & Training

2 1. TABLE OF CONTENTS PROGRAM SUMMARY... 2 STAGE 2: NEW NON-DEGREE PROPOSAL Executive Summary Program Rationale for the Credential Program Description Curriculum Program Consultations and Evaluation Admissions and Transfer Program Resources Program Matrix Calendar Copy Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities Vancouver Island University Page 1

3 NEW NON-DEGREE PROPOSAL PROGRAM SUMMARY Name of Institution: Campus location: Title of program: Credential to be awarded to graduates: Length of program: Total number of credits: Delivery Method: Work Experience Opportunities: Vancouver Island University Nanaimo, various Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities Certificate 1 year 21 credits Blended (face-to-face and online) Practicum Target implementation date*: September, 2015 Does this program meet the criteria for Student Aid BC? (see Student Aid Checklist) *The program must receive final approval at least six months prior to the implementation date or implementation will be postponed. Institutional Contact: Faculty: Department: Title: No Carol Stuart Health and Human Services Health & Human Services Administration Dean Phone: (250) Carol.Stuart@viu.ca Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities Vancouver Island University Page 2

4 STAGE 2: NEW NON-DEGREE PROPOSAL Stage 2 is required by the Ministry of Advanced Education for the 30-day peer review and by the VIU Standing Committees for new Non-Degree Programs. 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 PURPOSE OF THE PROPOSAL The Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities (CHP) program has been developed in collaboration with the Inter Tribal Health Authority (ITHA) to provide students with a basic knowledge in community health education, health promotion, injury prevention, and community development within Aboriginal communities. It will primarily fill a gap in the training needs to Community Health Representatives (CHR) and secondarily will address the unique needs of B.C. Aboriginal Communities in respect to health promotion activities. Many First Nations communities have Community Health Representative (CHR) roles; paraprofessionals who perform a variety of diverse tasks that vary from community to community and from region to region. Increasingly, they are playing a major role as community health developers by providing health promotion, education, and prevention services. They also participate in the planning and implementation of community health programs and play a greater role in mental health care and counseling than they did in the past. In addition, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) in British Columbia is promoting a health and wellness orientation and developing Health Coach positions and inter-professional teams to deliver health and wellness programs in communities. This program has been developed to meet the needs of Aboriginal communities in terms of health care advocacy and education and to fill a gap in the educational programming specific to the health and wellness needs of Aboriginal communities. This certificate offers formalized training that has not previously existed, in the mid-island region and is unique to Canada. 1.2 KEY OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES OF THE PROPOSED PROGRAM The Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities graduate will be able to assess community health needs, client health education needs, and will work with the community towards improving health and well-being through health promotion activities. Program Objectives are: 1. To formalize and develop the skills of existing Community Health Representatives (CHR) who will improve the quality and value of health services in the communities they serve; 2. To prepare students for employment in Health Promotion and disease prevention roles by assisting them in developing the knowledge, skills, and judgment required for this position 3. To provide training for other health providers, that focuses on the unique wellness and health promotion needs of Aboriginal communities. Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities Vancouver Island University Page 3

5 2. PROGRAM RATIONALE FOR THE CREDENTIAL Realistic Expectations: The Changing Role of Paraprofessional Health Workers in the First Nation Communities in Canada 1 examines the evolving role of First Nation health workers within Canada, and discusses the proposed introduction of competency-based standards for their education, certification and regulation. The authors assert that there is a need for continuing health education for paraprofessionals, not only to update information and skills, but also to make them feel supported in their jobs. This same education can be used to help create career ladders. Some articulated health education programs do exist, although none that are Health Promotion-specific. Like other Canadians, members of First Nation communities rely on both professional and paraprofessional health workers for care. However, in isolated and remote communities the proportion of those relying on paraprofessionals is much greater than it is for the general population. Paraprofessionals tend to stay, providing a measure of stability and continuity. Moreover, because they are usually recruited from the communities, they are aware of local cultural beliefs and practices, as well as of the Indigenous languages and dialects used. While not always ideal, a staffing model that mixes professionals with substantial numbers of paraprofessionals has proven workable in such situations, which demand both clinical and cultural competence. Within Canada, there are no agreed upon scopes of practice for those in these paraprofessional roles, including CHR, and it is therefore difficult to establish a set of competencies that can form the basis for educational curricula, as well as practice standards. To begin to address this, the National Indian and Inuit Community Health Representatives Organization met with key stakeholders to identify a core set of competencies for CHR. The result was a list of twentytwo that fall within seven domains: 1) Aboriginal and primary health care; 2) empowerment, community relations and cultural competence; 3) prevention, promotion and protection; 4) emergency care; 5) communications; 6) ethics, leadership and teamwork; and 7) administration (Hammond & Collins,2007) 2. The Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities program proposed here addresses many of these same competencies as established by the VIU Program Advisory Group, which met several times to ensure the program content met the communities health and educational needs. 1 (2009) 2 Hammond, M., & Collins, R. (2007). Moving further down the road to competency: Final report of the 2006/07 core competencies project for wellness and primary health care providers. National Indian & Inuit Community Health Representatives Organization (NIICHRO). Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities Vancouver Island University Page 4

6 3. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 3.1 STATE THE PROGRAM CENTRED GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE NEW PROGRAM. The purpose of the program is to provide training and opportunities for those engaged in Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal communities. Graduates from the program will be effective paraprofessionals or professionals within the health care systems and be able advocate for their clients. In developing the CHP program in collaboration with the Inter Tribal Health Authority and the support of the regions they serve, we are ensuring that the relevant supports and courses are able to meet Aboriginal learners education and employment goals by providing innovative and flexible approaches which will meet the broader needs of the diversity of Aboriginal learners in British Columbia s post- secondary education system This program is designed to meet priorities set out in VIU's Academic Plan, which support the enhancement of our collaborative relationships with Aboriginal communities in order to develop opportunities for, and to promote the success of, Aboriginal students. This program will offer a unique entry point into VIU programming as it includes a mix of university credit and experiential learning through practicum placements. University credit will be transferable academic programs as general transfer credit and recognized those at other post-secondary institutions who have similar coursework. The program directly supports the goals outlined in the 2013/ /16 Aboriginal Services Plan 3, including: Increase access, retention, completion, and transition opportunities for Aboriginal learners. Increase students achievements by delivering programs that include Aboriginal cultural teaching and history and ensure Aboriginal students have access to peers for support. Strengthen partnerships and collaboration in Aboriginal post-secondary education. The Community Health Promotions for Aboriginal Communities (CHP) program is also in alignment with the Ministry of Advanced Education s Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education and Training Policy Framework and Action Plan, 2020 Vision for the Future, which recognizes that there is a huge need across the whole spectrum of post-secondary education and training, including literacy and adult basic education, vocational, career, business, trades, certificate, diploma, as well as undergraduate and graduate degree 3 Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities Vancouver Island University Page 5

7 programs. 4 By the year 2020, the goal is to increase the number of credentials awarded to Aboriginal learners by 75%. 3.2 IDENTIFY THE TARGET STUDENT AUDIENCE(S) FOR THIS PROGRAM Although the program is open to all students, it is anticipated that the primary source of applicants for this program will come from Aboriginal students who want to work or are already working as CHRs or doing other roles involving health promotion within Aboriginal Communities. Amongst the 21 B.C. post-secondary institutions that participate in the Central Data Warehouse, VIU has the fourth highest number of Aboriginal students representing 12% of the university s student body. As outlined in the Aboriginal Service Plan, VIU continues to increase support for Aboriginal students with a focus on increasing access, transition, retention, completion, and student satisfaction. Further, awareness and integration of Aboriginal cultures are encouraged in VIU curriculum development. 5 A certificate in Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities provides additional depth to VIU s Aboriginal programming and students will benefit from the supportive measures already in place at the institutional level, and have the ability to pursue further educational opportunities within VIU and/or the Island region. 3.3 STATE HOW THE INSTITUTION SATISFIED ITSELF THAT THERE IS NOT UNNECESSARY DUPLICATION IN THE SYSTEM This program would be unique in the mid-island region and to all of Canada. A search for Canadian community health promotion programs specific to Indigenous populations reveals one similar program in Ontario 6 and few certificate level programs across Canada. There is training in Canada specific to CHR s as an on-line delivery at Native Education and Training Centre and at Portage College 7 which do not include transferability 8. Similarly, an on-line program for CHR s has been initiated through the U.S. Department of Canadore College - Indigenous Wellness and Addictions Prevention Program Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities Vancouver Island University Page 6

8 Health and Human Services. 9 Further, VIU does not currently have a program with which the Health Promotion within Aboriginal Communities Certificate will directly compete. 3.4 WHAT IS THE EVIDENCE OF LABOUR MARKET DEMAND? DOES THE PROGRAM MEET IDENTIFIED COMMUNITY OR REGIONAL NEEDS? Persons in the role of Community Health Representative and/or health coach and other para-professional roles are part of the larger National Occupational Classification (NOC 4212): Community and Social Service Workers. 10 Employment Outlook for British Columbia: Over the projection period , cumulative job openings in BC are expected to total 23,700 for Paraprofessional Occupations in Legal, Social, Community and Education Services (NOC 421). Most job openings in these occupations will arise from replacing workers who retire. Community and Social Service Workers (NOC 4212) was identified as a high opportunity occupation and one of the top 60 in demand occupations by WorkBC. 11 As stated on the WorkBC website for Community and Social Service Workers (NOC 4212): New jobs will be created to take care of the growing population of aging people, those with psychiatric and developmental disabilities, pregnant teenagers, homeless people and those with substance abuse problems. Growth is also expected in the area of First Nations outreach and community development, especially for youth and in rehabilitation. The Inter Tribal Health Authority, along with representatives from Aboriginal communities including health workers, indicate that this program would provide the training required for existing and new health representatives in their communities Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities Vancouver Island University Page 7

9 4. CURRICULUM 4.1 STUDENT OUTCOMES The Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities graduate will be able to assess community health needs, client health education needs, and will work with the community towards improving health and well-being through health promotion activities. The primary learning outcomes are: 1. Understanding the forces of change, impact of change, and a holistic model of wellbeing within the context of traditional and contemporary practice in Aboriginal Communities. 2. Understanding of First Nations governance, administrative structures and practices and the implications for health workers including inter-family relations between First Nations communities, community organization and development, individual empowerment strategies, holistic health, world views, cultural continuity, and the determinants of wellbeing for First Nations communities. 3. Assessment of prior learning experiences to validate knowledge and skills from family, community and cultural backgrounds. 4. Understand the Aboriginal world view of health and wellness and the contemporary and emerging trends in health issues for Aboriginal communities including the role of health promotion. 5. Demonstrate knowledge and application of theories and models of community development including program planning, evaluation and needs assessment. A partnership model with UBC has been developed allowing students completing VIU s CHP program to transfer two courses into UBC s Aboriginal Health and Community Administration program should they wish to continue building their leadership capacity via completion of that program as well. 4.2 DESCRIBE THE PROGRAM/COURSE STRUCTURE The program will initially be offered utilizing the Parksville centre for compressed weekend institutes coupled with on-line learning using VIU-Learn; practica will ideally take place within a local Aboriginal community. The learning space would require movable tables and chairs to facilitate discussion groups and peer support as well as a computer lab to introduce and prepare students for online learning. The program can also be delivered in other community locations and course delivery can be flexed to allow for part-time study. The hybrid format uses regular lecture-style classroom instruction supplemented with on-line formats such as pre-recorded video lessons and online learning modules. These forms of blended learning or flipped Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities Vancouver Island University Page 8

10 classroom methods allow for classroom time to be spent applying theories and concepts and in more active discussion and are ideal for working para-professionals. Faculty will be supplemented by additional support from Elders and peer activities. Courses would normally be taught in a compressed, in-person format followed by online/distance learning (hybrid). Three of the courses are part of the existing VIU course inventory however work will be undertaken by specialists for content to be delivered in a flipped/blended learning format. Two of the courses will be purchased and facilitated by UBC under VIU course codes. Two of the courses require development, which will be undertaken by content specialists in this area along with a Practicum Alternative for those who may already be employed in this role. HSD 201: First Nations Wellness I HSD 202: First Nations Wellness II ILRP 100: Indigenous Portfolio: The Canoe of Life CHP 100: Fundamentals of Administration * CHP 110: Communication and Leadership * CHP 120: Emerging Health Issues & Promotion* CHP 140: Practicum Experience* * Course outlines submitted to CMS 4.3 IDENTIFY THE PROVINCIAL, NATIONAL AND/OR INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS ACHIEVED IN THE NEW PROGRAM, IF APPLICABLE Graduates will receive the Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities Certificate from Vancouver Island University. 5. PROGRAM CONSULTATIONS AND EVALUATION 5.1 CONSULTATION A Program Advisory Committee was established in 2011 and is comprised of a broad cross section of Community Health Representatives, health, Aboriginal, educational and institutional representatives. Charlene Dawson, Health Director & Social Development, Dzawada'enuxw First Nation (Kingcome) Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities Vancouver Island University Page 9

11 Cheryl Dill, Coordinator, PD&T, Health & Human Services, VIU Lee Wittmann, Inter Tribal Health Authority Sylvia Scow, Aboriginal Projects Coordinator and Elder Support, VIU Donna Edwards, CHR & Council, Snaw-naw-as Jocelyn Edwards, Addictions Counsellor, Snaw-naw-as Deirdre Godwin (recorder), Program Assistant, PD&T, H&HS, VIU Aaron Hamilton, Band Manager, Lake Cowichan First Nation Eliette Harry, CHR, Homalco Jeneen Hunt, Health Lead/Administrator, Kwikwasut'nuxw Haxwa'mis FN (Gilford) Grace Johnson, CHR, Kwikwasut'nuxw Haxwa'mis FN (Gilford) (via telephone) Kim Roberts, Acting Health Director, KDC Sandra Good, Health Administrator, Snuneymuxw Health Centre Note: Cheryl Dill is no longer with VIU; Sandra Good has retired from the Health Centre. 5.2 WRITTEN COMMENTS See Appendix D for letters of support. 5.3 OTHER INPUT Spring 2011 VIU with support from ITHA created an advisory group to help explore the need for CHR training on Vancouver Island. After a few meetings, a digital survey targeting CHRs, individual supervising CHRs and other health service providers was created. A total of 31 surveys were completed. See Appendix A. July/August 2013: CHR Advisory meeting held at Nanoose First Nations at which a fruitful discussion occurred on the role of CHRs, how training is currently obtained and core principles to consider for future delivery of a program. Sept 2013: Presentation to Health Transfer meeting and CHR Advisory Meeting #2 on Sept 27, 2013, Snuynemuxw Band Office. Explored course topics, format for delivery, credentialing and timeline. November 2013: CHR Advisory meeting held at Tigh Na Mara Resort. The main outcome of that meeting was further development on the program topic framework based on advisory members input. Jan-March 2014: The decision was made to explore UBC s Aboriginal Health & Community Administration (AHCAP) program to determine whether there was value in partnering with UBC given that there is some overlap with their AHCAP course areas. November-December 2014 Stage I endorsed by Faculty Council; Provost VPA; Provost Council; Planning & Priorities January 2015 UBC partnership model drafted. See Appendix B Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities Vancouver Island University Page 10

12 5.4 INDICATE WHAT POLICIES/PROCEDURES ARE PLANNED FOR ENSURING ADEQUATE DEPTH AND BREADTH OF ONGOING REVIEW AND EVALUATION ONCE THE PROGRAM HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED Advisory group will continue to meet on a regular basis. Evaluation by Professional Development & Training to ensure all criteria are being met. Evaluation through the Aboriginal Service Plan (ASP) to ensure that funding criteria is being met. 5.5 INDICATE WHETHER SAFETY AND OTHER RISK MANAGEMENT FACTORS HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED WHERE APPROPRIATE Any site chosen will meet all health and safety standards for VIU. 6. ADMISSIONS AND TRANSFER 6.1 PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS General admission requirements apply. English 12 (with a minimum mark of C ), or equivalent, OR VIU English Assessment Test. Computer Skills: Successful completion of an Introduction to Computers course within the past two years, OR practical demonstration if you use computers regularly. Proof of successful completion of the following must be received well in advance of the practicum experience. First Aid (OFA Level 1 or Standard First Aid Red Cross) Foodsafe Immunizations (Hepatitis B, MMR, Flu vaccines, Negative TB screen) Criminal Record Check: Practicums will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. Criminal Record Checks are requested through VIU. The Registration Centre at VIU will contact prospective students by mail regarding the requirements for a Criminal Record Check. Criminal Record Checks are processed through the Ministry according to the Criminal Records Review Act. A check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act. Note: Driver s License may be required for some locations Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities Vancouver Island University Page 11

13 6.2 INDICATE HOW THE INSTITUTION PLANS TO ENSURE STUDENTS ABILITY TO ACCESS THE PROGRAM THROUGH TRANSFER Vancouver Island University recognizes the academic knowledge and achievement of students who have undertaken post-secondary studies at other colleges, institutes, or universities. In cases where a student s academic background suggests a required course need not be taken, the department may grant an exemption. The ILRP 100 course offered at the beginning of the program will facilitate student s developing a portfolio appropriate for prior learning assessment related to additional courses in the program, should they wish to undertake PLA. 6.3 DESCRIBE HOW STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO TRANSFER OUT OF THE PROPOSED PROGRAM INTO OTHER PROGRAMS WITHIN THE SAME INSTITUTION OR AT ANOTHER INSTITUTION Graduates will be able to transfer two courses directly into UBC s Aboriginal Health and Community Administration should they wish to continue building their leadership capacity via completion of that program as well. Graduates transferring to other programs at other institutions, including VIU, will have their courses assessed on a case-by-case base as they are not part of the BC Transfer System. 6.4 INDICATE HOW STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO TRANSFER INTO RELATED DEGREE- LEVEL PROGRAMS, IF APPLICABLE N/A 7. PROGRAM RESOURCES In 2014/2015, a new application has been made to Aboriginal Service Plan for two years of funding to support this program. A conservative budget has been developed, which excludes this funding. The enhanced tuition fees for the cohort enable the program to generate a conservative profit during the first offering. Permanent funding has been allocated to this program to begin September, For more information, please see Vancouver Island University s 3-Year Program Priority Plan. Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities Vancouver Island University Page 12

14 8. PROGRAM MATRIX Year 1: Fall Semester Spring Semester Name and Number Credits Hours Name and Number Credits Hours ILRP 100: Indigenous Portfolio: The Canoe of Life 3 45 CHP 120 Emerging Health Issues & the Role of Health Promotion 3 45 CHP 110 Communication and Leadership 3 45 CHP 100 Fundamentals of Administration 3 45 HSD 201: First Nations Wellness I 3 45 CHP 140 Practicum Experience* 3 45 HSD 202: First Nations Wellness II 3 45 Semester Total: Semester Total: Year 1 Total: *Note: a PLA may be granted for CHP 140. PLA is available to accepted students only. Once accepted into a program, you may consult the program Chair to discuss PLA for this course. Acceptance as a PLA candidate is dependent on your ability to meet eligibility criteria for PLA and is determined by program Chair and faculty. A suitable alternative may also be considered in place of a Practicum. Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities Vancouver Island University Page 13

15 9. CALENDAR COPY 9.1 CAREER/TECHNICAL/TRADES/DIPLOMA PROGRAMS Program Name Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities Certificate Program Length 1 year (21 credits) Fee Category Enhanced Tuition Fees. The fees will be set at the program level, with an enhanced fee structure as shown in the attached budget The Program The Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities graduate will be able to assess community health needs, client health education needs, and will work with the community towards improving health and well-being through health promotion activities Career Opportunities Graduates of the program may secure employment in health related roles within Aboriginal communities, which might include: Aboriginal Health Liaison Worker; Community Health Representative; Community Engagement Facilitator; Aboriginal Health Coordinator Admission Requirements General admission requirements apply. Computer Skills: Successful completion of an Introduction to Computers course within the past two years, OR practical demonstration if you use computers regularly Recommendations for Admission Applicants with previous experience in health care area preferred (but not required) Notes on Admission Proof of successful completion of the following must be received well in advance of the practicum experience. First Aid (OFA Level 1 or Standard First Aid Red Cross) Foodsafe Immunizations (Hepatitis B, MMR, Flu vaccines, Negative TB screen) Criminal Record Check: Practicums will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. Criminal Record Checks are requested through VIU. The Registration Centre at VIU will contact prospective students by mail regarding the requirements for a Criminal Record Check. Criminal Record Checks are processed through the Ministry according to the Criminal Records Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities Vancouver Island University Page 14

16 Review Act. A check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act. Note: Driver s License may be required for some locations Transfer from other institutions In cases where a student s academic background suggests a required course need not be taken, the department may grant an exemption through transfer credit and/or Prior Learning Assessment. Transfer credit will be granted for successful completion of CHP 100 Fundamentals of Administration and CHP 110 Communications and Leadership from UBC s Aboriginal Health and Community Administration Program Regulations There are no known special regulations for students who have been admitted to a program that are unique to this program Start Date and Application Deadline The program starts in September, 2015, and applications for admission are accepted anytime from October 1 through March 31. Applications received after March 31 are considered late and will be processed as space permits Special Expenses In addition to tuition fees, books will cost approximately $500 - $800. There may be additional travel and accommodation fees for field trips and students will be required to fund any accommodation expenses related to the face to face instruction located in a central location. Students will require access to computers, printers and the Internet. All fees and other costs are subject to change without prior notice Grading Policy (optional) Grades for individual courses are given in the manner described under the Grading Policy of this Calendar. Under VIU Policy: Certificate - a minimum of 300 hours of instruction, normally completed in one year or less of full-time study with a minimum overall grade average of C (3.00). See Grading System for University Transfer, Career/Technical and Degree Program Courses Graduation Requirements (optional) Students will require a minimum Grade Point Average of a C (2.0) for the required courses in order to be awarded the certificate Program Outline: See Program Matrix Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities Vancouver Island University Page 15